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 Peter Jones
President

Peter has been producing musical theatre on the Treasure Coast for over 15 years. His vast resume includes musical directing, piano accompaniment and performing at venues such as the Lyric Theatre in Stuart, Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Buckner Playhouse in Lakeland, and Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. Peter had the honor of accompanying Broadway legend, John Raitt at the Lyric Theatre just before his death. He is also a featured vocalist with the Indian River Pops Orchestra.

 

 Peter Jones Credits

 

Jennifer Jones
Executive Director

Originally from New York, Jennifer has performed in and directed countless shows over the past 12 years. Favorite directing credits include CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, AVENUE Q: Student Edition, and “13, A NEW MUSICAL!” As a performer, favorite roles include Velma from CHICAGO, Joanne from COMPANY and Sally Bowles from CABARET. Jennifer was recently a Speaker at a TEDx conference, educating and enlightening the public on the benefits of theatre for young people. She was awarded Best Musical Direction for ANNIE and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at the Music Theatre International Conference for two years; and directed the Florida State premiere of the musical, SUMMER of ’42. Jennifer Jones has worked with composers Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim to create student versions of: SWEENEY TODD, RENT, FLAT STANLEY JR., DR. DOLITTLE JR and GEPPETTO & SON all of which had their world premier’s right here in Stuart. She has brought theatre legends Laura Bell Bundy, Paul Canaan and Stephen Schwartz to StarStruck Performing Arts Center to work with her students, and offers StarStruck’s beautiful theatre as a venue for new playwrights, such as Santino DeAngelo, to test their work. Jennifer received her BS from Simmons College in Boston, and her Master’s from Queens College in New York.  She currently teaches musical theatre, acting and audition technique at StarStruck. She is thrilled to see so many of her students continuing their passion for theatre by studying at prestigious theatre programs across the country, teaching at well respected performing arts centers and performing in Broadway shows.

Jennifer Jones Credits

 

        

Jessica Martinez
Executive Assistant /Choreographer & Dance Instructor

Jessica began dancing in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 4 years old, and by the age of 8 was competing regionally and nationally. She continued to be a competitive dancer in all areas of dance winning many trophies, awards, and recognition. At 21, She moved to Brighton Michigan, where she  began to teach dance. She trained and became certified in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Hip Hop. She is hoping to continue training in “Zumba” and will be completing her certification with Dance Educators of America in the future. Jessica is dedicated to improving the education of students, as well as furthering the professional and ethical standards in the performing arts and dance in all its forms.

 

 

          

Maria-Elena Alfieri
Choreographer & Dance Instructor

Her dance education began with Anna-Marie & Sonny Leo in her home town of Wilmington, Delaware. During 10 years in New York City, she studied with Madame Gabriela Darvash, David Howard, Robert Blankshine, Michael Vernon, Frank Hatchett, Bob Rizzo, Chris Chadman, Chet Walker, Germaine Salsberg and Germaine Goodson.

A true dance specialist, Maria-Elena has taught over 20 years of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Contemporary, Swing, Salsa, and Tango to hundreds of students in New York, Delaware and California. She holds certifications in Pilates, Yoga and continues to update her education in Biomechanics, Anatomy and joint specific Physics. Maria-Elena performed her own adagio act with her husband, Joe Marso, and still maintains an Aerial Arts practice coached by Eugene Baranok of Florida Circus School.  Most of all, Maria-Elena is honored to join the brilliant staff here at StarStruck, as all her shimmering experiences under the spotlight cannot replace the joy of instructing a student.

   
Lynne Barletta
Art Instructor


L
ynne Barletta began her art career at age 14 in Colorado with her first commissioned portrait, which blossomed over the next 30 years into the vibrant multi-media creations that hang in many homes and businesses globally. Her work has been fetured on TBn, WEst Palm Beach Education channel, and has graced galleries and top shows over the years. An art major at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado, she also studied privately under pastel master, Dee Toscano, and portrait artist, Dodie Rufner Ballantine. She did additional studies with Betty Edwards in the early 80's on Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Lynne piloted the Art Taught Artist programs in Denver public schools. Lynne has been teaching art for adults and children for over 20 years. She is known for her ability to teach excellent drawing skills, excellence in many mediums, inspiring creativity and encouragement for all ages and levels of ability. Her students have won national and international awards.

Local organizations & honors:
Martin County Counsil for the Arts Executive Board Member
"Dream Team" performing artist Lyric Theatre/ Arts Counsil 2011
Nominated for Woman of the Year 2010 Soroptomist Society
Leadership 2011 Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Award/ Body Network 2005
Patrons Award/ Valencia College 2009
Featured Artist 9-11 Port Saint Lucie Civic Center

   

  Melanie Steinke
Piano & Voice Instructor

Melanie Steinke made her debut with the Columbus, Ohio Symphony Orchestra as a soloist for many major works, including the Mozart Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, the Rutter Magnificat, and many others. Her many performances have included roles in Carmen, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, Carnival, and many guest solo appearances with the St. Lucie Chorale and Palm Beach Opera Orchestra. In Columbus she also accompanied many choral groups and musicals at Capital University, including children’s operas Noah’s Flood and The Little Sweep, as well as major works such as Carmina Burana. Locally, she works as an accompanist for musicals, concerts, churches, and recitals throughout the area. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Melanie Steinke completed her formal music studies at the Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio. Whether on stage singing a role, in the orchestra pit playing piano, or in the studio working with voice and piano students, Melanie is at home on the Treasure Coast.
   

Steve Hoevertsz
Guitar Instructor

Originally a professional guitarist from New York City, Steve Hoevertsz has  moved his talents to Stuart, Florida. Steve works extensively with area bands  and does session work in a variety of styles. An alumnus of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Steve combines energy, enthusiasm and flair to create a unique soundscape. Steve has over 15 years of private instruction experience teaching children and adults.. Extensive performance credits including a long list of  bands, recording projects, studio sessions and NY Broadway experience. Steve’s roster of bands he has been involved with as a lead guitarist, songwriter and producer over the years are quite extensive and  include  Mother Mary, an alt. Pop/ group garnering one CD, I have a garden released on Mesh Records label  followed by national tour including the Canadian Music Festival. Flavor Sergeant was his next endeavor in the early 2000’s, a hard alternative rock  national touring band with one CD under their belt, Flavor Sergeant . Steve’s musical talents have even brought him together with  Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees in 2007 at Aruba Stadium in front of 5000 people. He currently plays with The Critters (2010- present) and can be heard on their latest CD , Timepieces. Steve’s theatre credits include Altar Boyz (2005 - 2007) , Once around the Sun (2005 ), Trailer Park Musical (2005 ), Automatic Superstar ( 2004 - 2006) and  Sandra Bernhardt (2010).

 

                                           

     Joe Marso
       Instructor 

Joe Marso began gymnastics at the University of California, Santa Barbara under both Art Aldritt and Mircea Badulescu. Soon afterward, he was invited to assist the UCSB PA Gymnastic program. He coached levels 1-10 Club Kids,cheerleading and tumbling classes for both Dos Pueblos and Carpinteria High Schools at Spirals Gymnastics Club. Joe is a Biomechanics Specialist who has been practicing Muscle Activation Techniques since 2004. In 1999, he earned two separate Pilates Certifications. He most recently became a Licensed Massage Therapist.                                                                                                                               
 
Josh Rhett Noble
Acting Instructor

A New York theatre veteran, Josh studied Musical Theatre at the University of Miami’s prestigious Frost School of Music and is best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of “Gaston” in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast in theatres across the country.  A veteran of over 50 professional productions, recent New York credits include: the world premiere of Oswald (Agent Hosty), Carnegie Hall debut with the Scarsdale Wind Ensemble, and Rockers on Broadway at BB Kings.  Other credits include: Altar Boyz (Matthew/Cleveland & Atlanta regional premieres), Company (Bobby), Forever Plaid (Sparky), Camelot (Lancelot), Godspell (Judas), The Pajama Game (Sid), The Fantasticks (Matt), Jekyll & Hyde (Stride), Guys & Dolls (Sky), The Music Man (Harold), Grease (Kenickie) and Lend Me A Tenor (Max). Josh recently directedt StarStruck’s smash hit NUNSENSE and is set to direct FOREVER PLAID this March. Josh is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. More info: www.JoshRhettNoble.com